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1999 Oldsmobile Alero

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 279.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

169 reports with mileage · 293 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports11 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

462 reports
95,608 miles · Feb 7, 2006
Structure

HAVE HAD THE HEATER RESISTER REPLACED TWICE AND THE BLOWER MOTOR ONCE. WHEN GOING TO A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC TO HAVE A THIRD RESISTER INSTALLED (LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THE SECOND AND 13 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT), HE SAID THAT WATER WAS LEAKING DOWN THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR, MELTED A 30 AMP FUSE AN…

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HAVE HAD THE HEATER RESISTER REPLACED TWICE AND THE BLOWER MOTOR ONCE. WHEN GOING TO A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC TO HAVE A THIRD RESISTER INSTALLED (LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THE SECOND AND 13 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST REPLACEMENT), HE SAID THAT WATER WAS LEAKING DOWN THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR, MELTED A 30 AMP FUSE AND SHORTED OUT THE RESISTOR. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD OF THE CAR. THE BLOWER MOTOR ENCASEMENT WAS DRENCHED WITH WATER. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10149631

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

I PURCHASED THE CAR & IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKES FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP. IN 3/05 HAD COMPLETE LOOK AT CAR -AT CHEVY. DEALERSHIP, THEY FLUSHED RADIATOR, CLEAN FUEL LINES-THINGS ALONG THOSE LINES "TO MAKE MY CAR RUN BETTER". IN JUNE OF 05 I STARTED NOTICING A SMALL PUDDLE OF WATER UNDER MY VEHICLE & IT STARTED OVERHEATI…

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I PURCHASED THE CAR & IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKES FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP. IN 3/05 HAD COMPLETE LOOK AT CAR -AT CHEVY. DEALERSHIP, THEY FLUSHED RADIATOR, CLEAN FUEL LINES-THINGS ALONG THOSE LINES "TO MAKE MY CAR RUN BETTER". IN JUNE OF 05 I STARTED NOTICING A SMALL PUDDLE OF WATER UNDER MY VEHICLE & IT STARTED OVERHEATING. WAS TOLD MY REPAIR MAN THAT RADIATOR CAP NEEDED REPLACING. THAT SEEMED TO HELP A LITTLE. BY OCTOBER 05 THE CAR WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE FROM UNDER THE CAR. DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT FIXED SO I DIDN'T DRIVE IT BECAUSE I WAS A STAY AT HOME MOM. DEC 05 I WENT TO WORK AND ITS BEEN DOWNHILL. MY CAR NOW WILL OVERHEAT IF IT IDLES FOR VERY LONG, LEAKS ANTIFREEZE (I HAVE TO ADD COOLANT EVERY MORNING), AND WE WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE PROBABLY THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET GONE BAD WHICH WILL COST ABOUT 900.00. THIS IS JUST 1 OF THE MANY PROBLEMS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SINCE THE PURCHASE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10149177

73,500 miles · Dec 25, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

1999 OLDS. ALERO 3400 GLS. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MANIFOLD GASKET MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM I THINK IT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO FOR A SAFETY RECALL. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10146058

108,000 miles · Nov 28, 2005
Suspension

FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING BROKE INTO TWO PIECES. SPRING WAS NOT RUSTED. PIECES WERE EXTREMELY SHARP AND COULD HAVE PUNCTURED TIRE EASILY. COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT HIGH SPEED. I REPLACED BOTH SPRINGS BUT DID NOT THINK TO KEEP BUSTED ONE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10143796

45,000 miles · Nov 9, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A COMPUTER COMPONENT TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL 03V327000/ INVESTIGATION NUMBER RQ04005. THERE WAS A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN …

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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TURN SIGNALS WORKED INTERMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A COMPUTER COMPONENT TRYING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SAME AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL 03V327000/ INVESTIGATION NUMBER RQ04005. THERE WAS A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEING DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK UPDATED 12/7/2005. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10142315

99,045 miles · Oct 31, 2005
Visibility

THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW CAME OFF TRACK AND ENDED UP IN THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. IN THE PROCESS, THE CLIPS WHICH HOLD THE GLASS ON BROKE OFF, THE GLASS BROKE, AND THE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THIS WINDOW, BUT BY FAR THE MOST EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10141313

61,561 miles · Oct 20, 2005
SuspensionCrashInjury

DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO - CONSUMER'S CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE HUB ASSEMBLY THAT HOLDS THE REAR PASSENGER STRUTS SHEARED OFF. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF AND THE CAR TURNED SIDEWAYS AND WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, BUT THE CAR DID FLIP SIDE WAYS. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE FR…

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DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO - CONSUMER'S CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE HUB ASSEMBLY THAT HOLDS THE REAR PASSENGER STRUTS SHEARED OFF. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF AND THE CAR TURNED SIDEWAYS AND WENT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, BUT THE CAR DID FLIP SIDE WAYS. THE ACCIDENT CAUSED THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO BREAK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PART. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WAS ONE INJURY.*AK *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136402

56,000 miles · Oct 7, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THE HUB BEARINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT END WENT OUT. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER OF THE PROBLEM, AND SAID IF SHE DROVE IT MUCH LONGER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THE HEAD GASKETS ALSO …

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DT: 1999 OLDSMOBILE ALERO. THE CONTACT STATED THE HUB BEARINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT END WENT OUT. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GARAGE. THE MECHANIC TOLD HER OF THE PROBLEM, AND SAID IF SHE DROVE IT MUCH LONGER THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. THE HEAD GASKETS ALSO BLEW OUT THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE AIR SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE GARAGE BEING FIXED FOR THE HEAD GASKETS. ALSO, FUEL PUMP WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THEN, THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT STATED , IN ADDITION, THERE HAVE BEEN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD TO BE RESET A COUPLE OF TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10138983

40,000 miles · Oct 5, 2005
Suspension

DT: ON OCTOBER 1, 2005, NOTICED THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP, AND THEY NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BROKE, BUT DID NOT PUNCTURE THE TIRE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE STRUTS BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE COIL SPRINGS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE…

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DT: ON OCTOBER 1, 2005, NOTICED THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP, AND THEY NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR COIL SPRING BROKE, BUT DID NOT PUNCTURE THE TIRE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE STRUTS BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE COIL SPRINGS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAID BASED ON THE LOW MILEAGE, THEY WERE SURPRISED THAT THIS HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE. THEY TRIED TO CONTACT A LOCAL DEALER, BUT SINCE THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE A HISTORY WITH A LOCAL DEALER THEY WERE ABLE TO ASSIST HER IN THE COST OF THE REPAIR. *AK (11/09/05) *SC

NHTSA ODI #10138642

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2005
Steering

NOTICED PLAY AND LOOSENESS IN STEERING HAD IT CHECK OUT BY MECHANIC AND FOUND IT WAS MY RACK AND PINION I AM REPLACING IT WITH ANOTHER USED PART. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136662

Official recalls

3

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 3, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

00V140000 · Structure:body

May 18, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.

98V320000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Dec 15, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ04005 · Turn Signal Failures

Opened Jun 18, 2004 · Closed Nov 30, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.